Camarillo City Council
AGENDA REPORT
Date: November 12, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
From: Greg Ramirez, City Manager
Submitted by: Dave Klotzle, Director of Public Works
Subject: Lewis Road Water Main Relocation - Caltrans Utility Agreement No. 2025-186
BACKGROUND
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is finalizing the design of a transportation and storm drain improvement project along State Route 34 extending from the City of Oxnard, through Camarillo to Somis. A portion of the project includes work along Lewis Road within the City of Camarillo. The City owns and operates drinking water pipelines within Lewis Road that conflict with the proposed Caltrans storm drain improvements as shown on the Location Map (Attachment 1). As Lewis Road is part of State Route 34 and is under Caltrans jurisdiction, the City must accommodate the Caltrans project by relocating its water mains. This type of utility relocation is standard practice for projects as the City would similarly require other utilities, such as gas or electric, to relocate their facilities if there was a conflict with a City project.
The Caltrans project includes installation of a new traffic signal and sidewalk along Lewis Road at Temple Avenue. These additions will improve traffic flow and pedestrian connectivity in the area. The new signal will facilitate safer and more efficient vehicle movements, while the new sidewalk and bike lanes along Lewis Road between Merrit Avenue and Durkin Street will provide safer and more convenient pedestrian and bicycle access.
DISCUSSION
City staff have been coordinating with Caltrans on a solution for relocating the City’s water mains in an efficient and cost-effective way as the Caltrans project is under time constraints to begin construction in early 2027. The recommended solution is for the City to pay Caltrans to relocate the City’s water mains when Caltrans constructs their project, as opposed to the City designing and constructing a separate relocation project. This is because Caltrans will already have established roadway traffic control with its contractor on-site, and the City anticipates a good bid price since the water main relocation represents a small portion of the overall project. Additionally, having Caltrans prepare the design plans in close coordination with City staff, and perform the relocation work, alleviates the need for the City to go through the full design and construction procurement process, saving both City staff time and expense.
Lewis Road Water Main Relocation - Caltrans Utility Agreement. No. 2025-186 November 12, 2025
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The recommended Caltrans Utility Agreement (Attachment 2) requires the City to reimburse Caltrans for their actual costs of design and construction work. The design work cost estimate is $59,772.29, and the construction cost estimate is $670,770.00, for an estimated cost of $730,542.29. Staff has also included a $109,582 contingency (approximately 15%) for unforeseen additional costs, for a total estimated cost of $840,124.29. Staff have reviewed both estimates and determined that they are typical and consistent with industry averages. Payment to Caltrans for the design work will be required in the coming months, and reimbursement for construction relocation work will occur after the contractor’s work is complete. Caltrans currently estimates construction to begin in January of 2027. Final costs will be determined following Caltrans project bidding and completion of the project. As noted in the Agreement, the City will be responsible for paying actual project costs.
The City reviewed the environmental impacts of this activity under the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq. “CEQA”) and the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 Cal. Code of Regs. §§ 15000, et seq., the “CEQA Guidelines”). The activity authorizes the City to enter into an agreement for the maintenance and funding of public improvements. The agreement does not authorize any repair or construction activities which are being undertaken by the California Department of Transportation. Accordingly, this activity is exempt from further CEQA review.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for the Caltrans Utility Agreement and contingency are included in the FY 2025/26 Capital Fund, Design Engineering Account No. 863-8710-487.92-21 and Project WT- 5170 in the amount of $60,000. Funding for the balance of the Agreement will be included in the City’s FY 2026/27 budget development process.
CITY COUNCIL STRATEGIC PLAN FY 2025/26
This item supports the City Council’s Strategic Plan Goal and Objective 4.2 – Land Use, Transportation, Transit and Community Development – Continue to work with Caltrans and Ventura County Transportation Commission to address improvements on the 101 Freeway and State Highway 34.
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the City Manager to execute a Utility Agreement No. 2025-186 and any necessary documents and agreement amendments with Caltrans for the relocation of the City’s water main in the Lewis Road project area.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Location Map
2. Utility Agreement No. 2025-186
REFERENCE MATERIALS – AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW AT CITY HALL None